Is it possible that ho-hum Yahoo has finally a new hit up its sleeve?
A real reason for Steve Ballmer to keep wooing Yahoo?
Many have tried internet over TV but Yahoo has a new approach: a set of widgets called Yahoo ConnectedTV, designed for a new wave of "connected HDTVs" that will begin hitting the European market (at least Korean brands) in Q3 2009. Think iPhone Apps but for TV: the widgets themselves will be created by the third parties. The most interesting widgets will be the ones that work in harmony with the shows.
At this year's CES (and in Europe you can bet on IFA), companies like LG unveiled connected TVs with internet or network connection.
As your TV connects to internet, you can go to a Yahoo site. There you choose and install a widget (choose Facebook, for example) on the Linux OS inside your TV. The widget installs on your TV and overlays your web choice on top of your TV programming.
And you never had to reach for a PC or mouse…it’s TV-driven.But analysts predict this will force a new wave of TV remotes to accommodate the multifarious web content.
Go Yahoo Wins with Widgets
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Yahoo Connection Could Work
- 25. 03. 2009
- Bob Snyder
- Networking & IoT
BMB Brings Colour Screen Universal Remotes to ISE
- 20. 02. 2008
- Bob Snyder
- Control and Home Media Systems
Distributor BMB Electronics brings to ISE the new Universal Remote Control's MX-810 and MX-980 Remotes. These easy-to-use and fully programmable remotes provide professional installers (and users) with dedicated, custom control.
The MX-810 is for single room use for Home Theatres or AV systems, where each room in a home can have its own remote. The MX-980 is for Whole House, Multi-room integration use and features more sophisticated programming options.
Both models feature big, bright, active matrix Colour LCD's which are larger and more vivid than comparable remotes, and a broad array of attractive, icon graphics that are readable at a glance.
It also provides access to a vast array of custom control solutions - all available free of charge at www.universalremote.com.
Both remotes are PC-powered devices and are programmable by any Windows-compatible computer with a USB port.
Featuring RF addressability, a bright, colour LCD display and the readiness for programming, custom installers can put any command on any LCD page, and fully personalize the screen's icons for every user. The RF capability also eliminates the need to point the remote at whatever it is activating, or even remain in the line of sight of any equipment. They can both control components up to 100 feet away from locations throughout a home (even components concealed in cabinets or behind doors).
The MX-810 and MX-980 are both fully compatible with URC's own MSC-400 Master System Controller.
Go BMB Electronics
RIP Sidney Harman
- 13. 04. 2011
- Marco Attard
- Industry news
Audio pioneer Sidney Harman dies of complication from leukemia at the age of almost 93, just a month after his being diagnosed of the disease.
Of course Harman is best known for inventing the "hi-fi"-- high fidelity sound-- as well as for co-founding high-end audio component maker Harman International Industries, whose brands include Harman-Kardon and JBL. Harman was company CEO until 2008, when he stepped down following an aborted sale to KKR and Goldman Sachs.
He was known for being a polymath, lecturing in more than a dozen academic departments at USC, where he founded the Academy for Polymathic Study.
Most recently he bought the magazine Newsweek.
Home Automation Training, Free
- 19. 07. 2011
- Marco Attard
- Home Automation
Niko UK offers free courses in installing and programming its Nikobus home automation system, as well as its Niko Home Control electrical installation.
The courses involve a day-long fully interactive experience, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools to program and specify their own lighting and home automation systems.
Interested qualifying installers and electricians are to visit Niko's UK training suite at its Toddington HQ, with courses going on select days in August, September and October.
Global Growth Flat for TV in 2012
- 15. 05. 2012
- Marco Attard
- TVs, Displays and Mounts
DisplaySearch reports 2012 TV shipments will decline by -11% Y-o-Y in W. Europe, offsetting growth in emerging markets-- with the result WW TV shipments will remain flat this year.
However the analyst predicts LCD TVs will at least see some growth (7% Y-o-Y) in 2012 with shipments reaching 220m, the result of capturing more market share from the declining CRT and plasma segments.
LCD TVs should make 88.5% of global TV shipments (up from 82.5% in 2011) before reaching 90% in 2013. In comparison plasma will account for 5.3% of 2012 shipments following a peak of 7.4% in 2010.
OLED will debut this year in large sizes, but DisplaySearch shipments will only reach around 50K units, if not less. Meanwhile following its shaky start 3DTV is growing in popularity, with shipment penetration in W. Europe to exceed 25% in 2012.
When it comes to TV sizes, bigger is the preference-- 2012 average TV shipped size will reach almost 35", up from less than 30" in 2008.
Go DisplaySearch Quarterly Advanced Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report